Use this guide to find the best shoes for AFOs or SMOs for your child. Includes features to look for, simple tips for getting the best fit, and the top brands to look for.
Shopping for a shoe that fits properly with your child’s ankle foot orthoses {AFOs} or submalleolar orthoses {SMOs} can be a difficult task. And trying to find shoes that look stylish as well can be even harder! Thankfully, shoe brands are starting to become a little more inclusive-friendly and are creating more shoe options with wider widths and other accommodations for AFO and SMO users.
Finding the best shoes for your child and specific AFO definitely takes a bit of trial and error. What works for one child doesn’t always work for another. You’ll likely need to try multiple pairs when you’re first picking out shoes, so don’t give up!. Once you get an idea of the brands and styles that fit your child well, however, it should get a little easier each time you need to buy a new pair.
I put together this shoe guide to help give you some guidance when you’re looking for the best shoes for AFOs or SMOs for your child. Hopefully it makes the process a little easier for you. There really are quite a few options for you and your child to choose from!
What to look for when buying Shoes for AFOs
Shoe laces vs. velcro.
There are pros and cons to both so choose whatever works best for your child. I like shoelaces because they tend to provide a more secure fit than Velcro and you can easily get longer shoe laces if needed. I also find that it’s easier to open up the shoe more with laces.
Velcro, however, is obviously quicker and easier to use and can help to promote more independence with taking shoes on and off. If you do buy Velcro, you may need to purchase extension straps depending on the brand.
Don’t Go Too Big!
Depending on the braces and shoe brand/style, you will generally need to go up one to one and half shoe sizes. If the brace is still not fitting with this increase, it’s probably not the right shoe for your child. Too big shoes are just a tripping hazard and might negate the positive effects of the braces.
look for width.
Generally you don’t need a lot more length in the shoe – it’s more about the width. So look for shoes that have a wide toe box, come in X-wide sizing, and can open up more freely to make it easier to get the foot in.
TAKE THE BRACE WITH YOU
If you’re shoe shopping in person, take the brace with you. This way, you can just try the AFO in the shoe rather than having to get your child to try on a bunch of different pairs. Once you find one that you like that works with the brace, you can have your child try it on for the final say.
Look FOR EASY CLOSURES AND FABRIC OPTIONS
Look for shoes that zip up at the back or side as these can allow for more room to get the foot in. The Billy shoes all have this closure {see shoe brands below} but there are a few other brands that are starting to offer this option as well. A BOA lacing system is another cool option that is starting to be used by a few brands and just uses a knob to tighten the laces.
In terms of fabric, mesh tops on shoes also provides more give and makes it easier to get those braces in.
ALWAYS LOOK AT THE SIZE GUIDES
All brands fit a little differently so be sure to check the size guidelines for each brand that you’re looking at. It can also be helpful to read some of the reviews to see there is any consistency with people reporting that they fit true to size, run big, etc.
Consider Buying Multiple Pairs
When you find a pair of shoes that fit and work well, consider buying another pair or two in the next sizes up. I know that some kids like to pick out new shoes each time, but if your child doesn’t care about this, save yourself some time and energy!
Best Kids’ Shoes for AFOs and SMOs
Shoe brands are really starting to provide more options for AFO users. It still takes some trial and error, but there are certainly a lot more styles to choose from these days. Even mainstream brands are adding options to make shoes easier to take on and off.
I put together this list of some of the best brands that carry AFO-friendly shoes. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but hopefully it provides you with a good place to start!
NEW BALANCE
New Balance has a variety of good, supportive running shoe styles. Look for models that have extra-wide or XX-wide options available. The 574 and 888 lines tend to be the most popular for AFO wearers. New Balance also has shoes with the BOA closure system.
Stride Rite
The Stride Rite Journey line has a number of features that make them easier to adapt to orthotics and braces. They come with…
- removeable insoles
- longer laces to allow for more room
- longer velcro straps that can be cut to your desired length
- extra wide widths
- toe guards for extra protection
- a sturdy pull tab in the back to make it easier to get the heel up over braces
HATCHBACKS
Hatchback shoes are designed specifically for AFOs and SMOs and contain the extra length and girth around the ankles that the braces require. This means that you don’t have to buy your shoes three sizes too big just to get the fit that you need! Their sizing chart is even based on the dimensions of your AFO, so it’s easier to choose the right size.
TSUKIHOSHI
Tsukihoshi shoes are light weight but still provide a lot of stability and support. The insole is removeable and the shoes have a wide toe box to accommodate AFOs and SMOs.
BILLY FOOTWEAR
Billy Footwear is known for their “universal design” – stylish and functional shoes that appeal and work for everyone. Their shoes all incorporate zipper closures that go along the side of the shoes and around the toes. This allows the upper part of the shoe to be folded over and opened up completely. There are both high top and regular fit styles available and the designs are super cute!
CONVERSE
Converse shoes are a stylish option but the width can sometimes be a problem. These Easy Slip Chuck Taylors, however, have had good reviews from AFO wearers. They also fold down in the back to make them easier to get into. If the elastic laces are too snug, you can always replace them with standard laces.
NIKE
Nike has a variety of shoe options that work well with AFOs. Their FlyEase line has zip closures for easier on/off. The width of Nike’s tend to be a little narrower as they don’t have X-wide options, so lace-up options might be better to offer a little more room.
DCs or OTHER SKATE SHOES
DCs and other skate shoes tend to have a nice wide fit and are a trendy option for teenagers especially.
Easy Up AFO SHOES
I almost didn’t include these ones because they’re so expensive, but I absolutely LOVE the design of these Easy Up AFO Shoes. These are custom orthopedic shoes made with very high quality materials {thus the price!}. Hopefully, the cost will come down in the future or they’ll find a more affordable line with similar features. Here’s what I love…
- they come with a tilting heel so you can fully open up the back of the shoe and just slide the foot in.
- the lining and outsole can be customized to the child’s particular AFO or walking needs.
- they allow kids to put on and take off their shoes more independently {would also be great for kids that have difficulty with hand function or grip}.
- they have a cool BOA lacing system that closes the heel and adjusts the shoe to fit perfectly on the foot.
- these are seriously the most adorable, stylish shoes that I’ve ever seen for kids!
Tips for Putting Shoes on Easier with Braces
Once you have your shoes, you might find them a challenge to actually get on your child. Don’t worry – it will get easier! Here are a few tips to make putting on shoes over braces a little simpler…
- Remove the insole from the shoe to allow for extra room
- Purchase a shoe horn. Shoes horns not only make it easier to get the shoe on, but also help to keep the back of the shoe from getting damaged.
- To get your child’s foot in more easily, rock the shoe heel back and forth to help it gradually slide on.
- If the shoes have a piece of fabric attaching shoe tongue to the shoe you can try cutting this fabric to allow more space to insert AFO.
When in doubt, bring your shoes to your orthotist appointment or next PT visit to get some extra input!
Where to Buy AFO Friendly Shoes
In addition to shopping directly from the brand’s website and stores, there are some great online resources to shop for shoes. Just make sure to check the return policies so you can easily return them if they’re not the right fit.
- Zappos has a variety of AFO friendly shoes and you can even find it as a search feature on the side bar.
- Nordstrom carries a variety of the brands mentioned above. Also, if your child’s feet are two different sizes, Nordstrom allows you to buy one shoe for the right foot and a different size for the left foot for the price of one regular pair.
- Amazon. What can’t you buy on Amazon? lol! Amazon carries many brands of AFO-friendly shoes. You can even search “AFO shoes for kids” in their search bar for some good options right off the bat.
What about the socks?
After all of the time and effort you put into finding the perfect pair of shoes, don’t forget about the socks! A good pair of socks can really help to make the braces more comfortable and are also important for skin health. Look for light-weight, breathable socks that won’t bunch up. Many kids prefer seamless socks as well. For AFOs, it’s nice to have long, knee-height socks that can fold down over the top of the AFO to ensure they don’t slip down and bunch up.
You can often find some great socks at sports stores {especially those for hockey skates} as they’re thin, anti-wicking, and very breathable. You can also find socks specifically designed for AFO use HERE.
If you have any other shoe recommendations or tips for adapting shoes for a better fit for AFOs, I’d love to hear your experiences. Let me know what worked or didn’t work for you!
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